Peaceful Communication For A More Peaceful World
The recent Impeachment Trial of former President Donald Trump before the United States Senate brought to the forefront a point about language that has been discussed in the background previously. The Democrat Impeachment Managers used as evidence language former President Trump had used which included violent terms. Then the former President’s defense team repeatedly showed a montage of Democrats using violent rhetoric to show everyone does it. Largely, this is true. Pretty much everyone uses some form of violent rhetoric. However, changing our words to use peaceful communication can help us bring about a more peaceful world.
Violent Language Is Pervasive
How often have we heard terms like the following?
“The War On Drugs”
“The War On Poverty”
“War on Christmas”
“He killed it”
“That game was a slaughter”
“I wanna hit that”
“Smack that subscribe button”
“Punch it”
Violent language is all around us. We probably hear several examples of it every day. We probably even use it several times a day! Violent language is pervasive in our culture.
Although the vast majority of people understand the idiomatic usage of violent terminology like in the examples above, the words are still processed in our brain. The words still become a part of our vocabulary, memory, and thought process. Once something is in our thought process, vocabulary, and memory, it becomes a part of us. It’s a part that can be removed with effort, but unless conscious effort is made to remove the undesired words, they will remain with us and influence us to some degree.
Thoughts, Words, And Deeds Make A Difference
The following quote and variations on it have been attributed to different people, but Mr Frank Outlaw is confirmed to have said it:
“Watch your thoughts, they become words;
watch your words, they become actions;
watch your actions, they become habits;
watch your habits, they become character;
watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.”Frank Outlaw
Late President of the Bi-Lo Stores
Now, this isn’t to say that if you have violent thoughts or use violence based language, you will become a violent person. It shows though that our thoughts influence our words and deeds. When violence based language influences our thoughts, words, and deeds, it can influence others as well through what they hear us say and see us do.
Mahatma Gandhi famously (allegedly) said, “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” We must communicate peacefully if we want to see a peaceful world. Change in society, culture, community, and the world, starts within us, and within our homes and families. A world of peace begins with each of us having peace in our heart, and our thoughts, words, and deeds.
Replacements For More Peaceful Communication
If we want to be more peaceful in our thoughts and communication so we can build a more peaceful world, we need to replace the violent terminology we currently use. This will take some effort. It will be worth it though.
Here are some examples of violent terminology and peaceful replacements:
| Instead of: | Try saying: |
| “You beat me” | “Good game” |
| “I killed off my drink” | “I drank it all” |
| “You’re killing me” | “You’re funny” |
| “Smack that subscribe button” | “Please subscribe” |
| “Murder mystery” | “Who done it” |
Obviously these are just a few examples, but you get the idea. It may take some creativity to come up with alternatives. That’s OK! Creativity is a good thing. Changing your language may change the energy or the feel of what’s being said. That’s OK too! Sometimes it will be a very beneficial change. Changing the energy or feel of what’s said by changing the words can take an aggressive phrase and make it peaceful. It can change something that would cause aggravation or escalation to something that will be calming.
Thoughts and words have power. They can change how we feel, affect others, and even change the world around us with enough concerted power. The world would be a better place if it were more peaceful. Reducing violence in thought, word, and deed would make the world a better, more peaceful place. We can make a difference and use peaceful communication for a more peaceful world.
How Will You Use Peaceful Communication To Build A More Peaceful World?
Think about the words and phrases you use in your thoughts and speech then try using replacements. Challenge yourself to improve and be more peaceful in your thoughts and words.
Where do you use violent terminology?
What are some more peaceful replacement terms you can use?
Did you try using replacements?
How did using more peaceful language make you feel?
What difficulties did you face in replacing violent rhetoric with more peaceful language?
Did you notice a change in the feel of a room, or conversations when you used more peaceful language?
Was there a change in your interactions with others?
Now that you’ve tried this little experiment, if it has made an improvement for you, continue to make changes. Share your experience with others. Challenge them to try it too. Spread the peace. Spread the love. Together we can use more peaceful communication for a more peaceful world.
Garrett Leeds is the multipassionate founder of the Life, Liberty, and Pursuit of Happiness Project. He is a writer, creator, father, and empathic human being. At the end of 2020 he published his first book, a book of poems entitled Love, Longing, And The Empty. When he isn’t writing, building his business, or spending time with family he can usually be found playing games, consuming media, or pondering deep questions.
If you would like to support the Life, Liberty, And Pursuit Of Happiness Project, please consider contributing to LLPHP via GoFundMe
